I haven’t tasted Beaulieu Vineyard’s 1970
Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve Georges de Latour in a few years. Time has
been kind to the 1970. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say the 1970 has been
kind to time. Soft, delicate but also fully mature, the 1970 offers an
intriguing palette of sweet tobacco, mint, dried cherries, dried flowers and
anise nuances. The tannins are now fully resolved, and there is no upside from
cellaring bottles further.

The 1970 belongs to a much earlier era in the
winery’s history. André Tchelistcheff, bottled the first Private Reserve with
the 1936 vintage and enjoyed a long, brilliant career at BV until his
retirement in 1973 (he later returned as a consultant). The 1970 was made from
BV’s historic BV#1 and BV#2 parcels, and was aged in 100% American oak, as
was the custom of the day. For more on BV, Tchelistcheff, readers might want to
consult the Vinous Map of the vineyards of Rutherford. 92/Drink now.

The back label of the 1970 provide fascinating insights into one
of Napa Valley’s Golden Eras